Dear Friends,
The Brothers for Life flag trails behind the 14 brothers, wounded IDF soldiers, as they walk in the footsteps of our family members during the Holocaust. They have come on this emotional journey to Poland (July 22-29) on a BFL Delegation not just to learn about their history, but to understand the importance of why they fought and gave so much. Every one of us who has served in the IDF and made this journey feels the pain of being a Jewish soldier born 50 years too late to protect our families.
We also feel a sacred obligation to make this journey back to the terrible place where the Nazis tried to wipe the Jewish People from the earth. “We go not just to learn, but to bear the responsibilities of memory of so many we lost.”
One of the most moving moments on this trip was described by Yuval Shimoni, the delegation leader, “We were taken to a massive grave of children up to the age of 14. Forty-five murdered children were thrown into the grave. Children’s toys were placed on the tombstone. It was a shocking place that we had a hard time coming to terms with.”
Yuval served as a paratrooper in the IDF. He was injured in the Second Lebanon War when two missiles struck the house he and his unit was taking shelter, killing nine members and wounding many others. Yuval was deeply traumatized by this experience and started suffering from flashbacks, nightmares, and anger outbursts. He began self-medicating to get through his emotional pain. With the help of Brothers for Life today, Yuval is healthy and happily married with twins. He volunteers at BFL where he heads several projects including providing one-on-one emotional counseling sessions. He volunteered to lead this delegation to help his brothers with their trauma and help them understand the great importance of their service.
This trek gives our service and our injuries the highest purpose. We were injured protecting our precious families and our Jewish family around the world. This is the greatest honor we could ask for.
Shabbat Shalom from Israel,
Yaniv
PS: We wanted to share a special Bar Mitzvah project with you.
Guy Geffen, a student from England, and his father Shahar just completed a fundraising challenge for BFL. They climbed Hellevelyn, the third highest peak in the English Lake District. Despite the wind and cold they completed the trek and raised over $2,500.
“Raising money for an Israeli charity for my Bar Mitzvah is important to me due to my deep connection to Israel through my large Israeli family. I particularly wanted to support Brothers for Life in tribute to all the soldiers who have served and continue to serve in the Israeli army. I have so much respect and admiration for the sacrifices that they have made.” – Guy
We send a huge thank you to Guy and his dad, as well as all the young people and their families who participate in BFL’s Mitzvah Projects. The projects help everybody who’s involved. BFL uses raised funds to help wounded soldiers, and students learn important Jewish values and leadership skills.